{"id":11537,"date":"2015-06-19T13:48:39","date_gmt":"2015-06-19T20:48:39","guid":{"rendered":"http:\/\/forbiddenpanel.com\/PanelCast\/?p=11537"},"modified":"2015-06-19T13:48:39","modified_gmt":"2015-06-19T20:48:39","slug":"childcare-at-comiccon-san-diego-2015","status":"publish","type":"post","link":"http:\/\/forbiddenpanel.com\/PanelCast\/childcare-at-comiccon-san-diego-2015\/","title":{"rendered":"Childcare at ComicCon San Diego 2015"},"content":{"rendered":"

If you read my column consistently, you know we take our children everywhere and conventions are no exception. \u00a0We enjoy sharing these experiences with our children and believe they are instrumental to their development in many ways, providing both fun and education and plan to continue to share these experiences with them for the duration of their childhood.<\/p>\n

Some parents want to take their entire families to a convention, but have obligations like attending panels, networking, hosting events, interviewing attendees, or sitting through celebrity events on the exhibit floor and taking children along for these types of events can be arduous at best and down right miserable, leading to impossible at worst. \u00a0Hours upon hours of standing in lines and fighting vicious crowds to get the shot you need, the interview you need, the exclusive action figure you need… it can be brutal.<\/p>\n

ComicCon has your solution and before you immediately raise your hand against the notion of ever allowing your child to leave your side in this type of atmosphere, let me just tell you about this place.<\/p>\n

\"logo20_top\"<\/a><\/p>\n

\n

<\/p>\n

I’ve been corresponding with Dana Kiffman, the General Manager of Kiddiecorp. \u00a0Kiddiecorp is the company that has partnered with ComicCon for the past 23 years to provide excellent childcare for the families attending ComicCon San Diego. \u00a0Read that again- twenty three years. \u00a0That’s longer than most convention goers have been alive- A serious track record of success, consistency and commitment to excellent care.<\/p>\n

To check out their website directly click HERE<\/a>.<\/p>\n

Dana and I have had a great back and forth via email going over several questions I had about the facility, how they ensured safety, security and how they managed their day-to-day processes. \u00a0Being the “Cautious Mom<\/a><\/em>” I am, I had more than a small handful of questions for her and I’m happy to report to you\u00a0that after speaking with her,\u00a0even I<\/strong> would be willing to leave my children with them! \u00a0(That’s really saying something, by the way)<\/p>\n

First off, her personal commitment to excellent service is clear. \u00a0I sent her an email with a ton of\u00a0detailed questions and she replied in great length to each one of them with a positive and gracious tone, even providing me a follow up to let me know she was working on them and hadn’t forgotten about me.<\/p>\n

Here is a recap of what I found out through our correspondence;<\/p>\n

The Setup:
\nThey have\u00a0two rooms at ComicCon, one for\u00a0infants and toddlers and another for older children.\u00a0 Activities are\u00a0divided per appropriate age group. \u00a0They\u00a0offer theme programs and\u00a0provide decor and activities relating to the theme, typically related to comic characters\/super heroes.
\nThey allow siblings to be in a room together, even if they are of varying ages, but cannot, for safety reasons allow the smaller ones\u00a0into the older children’s\u00a0rooms.<\/p>\n

Handling misbehaving\/disruptive children:
\nShe related that they\u00a0rarely have a challenge with the\u00a0children in their\u00a0care, primarily because there is an abundance of activities in\u00a0 the room to\u00a0keep children having fun and focused. She said when they do\u00a0have the rare occurrence of a\u00a0disruption, they “follow a process that begins with redirection.\u00a0 If necessary\u00a0that would be followed with a time out.\u00a0 If an issue continued we would\u00a0remove the child to the manager desk for a break.\u00a0 After that, a call to\u00a0the parent would be placed.”<\/p>\n

Keeping parents in the loop:
\nShe let me know they use the basics of technology to keep in touch with parents. \u00a0“We communicate with parents mainly by text\u00a0during a program.\u00a0 This could be to notify about a discipline issue(rarely), about a nap or feeding issue, just a report that their child is\u00a0doing well (if the child was upset when the parent left we often text to\u00a0let them know they have settled down), or if a child becomes ill.”
\nNote on this one- that means you will need to keep your phones charged at all times!!! Not an easy thing to do on the exhibit floor, so I suggest investing in an external charger you can carry with you throughout the day.<\/em><\/strong><\/p>\n

Video\/Webcam Option:
\nNo, she let me know they don’t have that kind of set up available, but you can check in in person or via telephone anytime.<\/p>\n

Accommodating special needs children:
\nWhen I asked about accomodations for special needs children, she provided me with this response, “KiddieCorp manages several,\u00a0special needs programs each year so our staff are familiar with many
\nconditions.\u00a0 We may adjust staffing to provide extra care if necessary, but\u00a0welcome children with special needs into our program whenever possible. \u00a0Additional paperwork may be required from the parents to help us with the\u00a0care of their child.”
\nSounds like they can handle just about anything, just make sure they know what you need.<\/p>\n

How they ensure safety from escapees and strangers:
\nDana wrote, “Our programs are set up in rooms\u00a0provided by the conference organizer.\u00a0 These are typically empty hotel\u00a0ballrooms set with the tables, chairs, etc., we need for the program. \u00a0Unauthorized adults are not allowed access to the program and the photo id\u00a0is required of all parents or visitors gaining access to the room.\u00a0Registration forms contain space for parents to list all adults authorized\u00a0to pick up their child and photo id is required and checked before a child\u00a0is released. \u00a0Our registration desk is placed at the entry doors to a program restricting\u00a0access from both directions for security purposes.”
\nThis was a big one for me, so to hear how carefully they verify adults and how they ensure no child can escape the facility made me feel MUCH more at ease.<\/p>\n

They have a max number of children they can manage:
\nDana wrote, “Each program has a maximum number\u00a0of children that can participate at any one time.\u00a0 This is based upon the\u00a0size of the room, the number of child care workers present, and the client’s\u00a0desire.\u00a0 KiddieCorp requires a minimum amount of square footage per child to\u00a0allow plenty of space for safe activities, supplies, and staff.\u00a0 We also\u00a0staff the program at various ratios providing more staff for younger\u00a0children.\u00a0 Our ratios are as follows:\u00a0 1:2 for infants 6 months to 11\u00a0months, 1:3 for children 1 to 2 years old, 1:5 for children ages 3 through\u00a05 years old, and 1:7 for children ages 6 through 12 years old.”<\/p>\n

And yes, they can easily run out of room:
\nWhen I asked if a parent ever needed to worry about getting there and being turned away, she let me know that yes, that is a possibility.<\/p>\n

“It\u00a0is possible to reach capacity at a\u00a0program.\u00a0 Many parents register in advance to guarantee the space will be\u00a0available during the hours they need.\u00a0 On site registration is an option,\u00a0but subject to space availability.\u00a0 Children come into and out of the\u00a0program at all hours, especially at ComicCon so there is often some space\u00a0in the program.\u00a0 If we were full when a parent arrived they could leave\u00a0their information on a waitlist and be called when space opened up.\u00a0 They\u00a0can also check back at any time.\u00a0 We provide small information cards at the\u00a0front desk giving parents the hours of the program, phone numbers to reach\u00a0our staff, and safety information about the program\/facility.”<\/p>\n

Regulations for parents to be aware of:
\nI then asked about regulations and what sort of rules they had about the children entering into the facility, such as sickness, vaccines, medical record information, whether or not they had to be potty trained and what parents would need to provide for this, such as medications they take, diapers, etc. \u00a0She replied, “KiddieCorp does not accept sick children\u00a0into the program to help protect the other children in our care.\u00a0 We do not\u00a0require proof of vaccines to use the program and children do not need to be\u00a0potty trained.\u00a0 We do ask parents of infants and toddlers to provide a\u00a0diaper bag with diapering supplies and a change of clothing.\u00a0 We will label\u00a0this upon arrival and use when necessary.”<\/p>\n

Rules\/accommodations for snacks and other food items:
\nHaving several friends who have children with food allergies, I wondered how they managed this issue in this sort of environment. \u00a0She let me know that “basic snacks are provided at many programs and these include items such as\u00a0Goldfish crackers, Nilla Wafers, Cheerios, etc.\u00a0 Meals must be provided by\u00a0the parent and we will assist the children as necessary with the food\u00a0provided.\u00a0 All KiddieCorp programs are strictly nut-free and we require\u00a0parents to adhere to that policy.\u00a0 Children’s allergies are specifically\u00a0noted in red to ensure they are not given unsafe food.\u00a0 We do not, however,\u00a0have the ability to avoid all specific allergens and request parents provide\u00a0snacks for their children that require a special diet.” \u00a0So parents, keep that in mind if you have a child with severe allergies and cannot be in the presence of things like peanuts, gluten, food coloring or other issues and be sure to let them know this ahead of time.<\/p>\n

Medication considerations:
\nOn the topic of medication like asthma meds and inhalers, medication for ADHD, pain killer, cough syrup or other things a child might need, it’s important to know that KiddieCorp employees are not able to administer medication to the children in their care. \u00a0She let me know they keep an Epi Pen if it is provided by the parent and is clearly labeled in case of emergency, but otherwise, you will have to stop what you are doing and come back to give your child any medication they might need. \u00a0Set your alarms and make sure you don’t forget, because they won’t be doing it for you.<\/p>\n

Hours and pick-up times:
\nLast, I asked her about hours of operation. \u00a0We all know the convention goes on LONG after the exhibit hall closes and there are events to attend at all hours of the day and night, so I wanted to find out if there were accommodations after hours. \u00a0This is incredibly important information to remember, folks. \u00a0I’m just going to quote her entire response to ensure I don’t leave anything out:<\/p>\n

“The children’s program is open the hours listed below.\u00a0 Please note, even
\nthough we open early, many times patrons can’t enter the facility that
\nearly.\u00a0 We occasionally have parents register for early hours but they are
\nnot allowed into the convention center prior to the opening time for the
\nconvention.<\/p>\n

Tuesday, July 7<\/span><\/span> – 6am<\/span><\/span> to 7pm<\/span><\/span>
\nWednesday, July 8<\/span><\/span> – 7am<\/span><\/span> to 10pm<\/span><\/span>
\nThursday, July 9<\/span><\/span> – 6am<\/span><\/span> to 8:30pm<\/span><\/span>
\nFriday, July 10<\/span><\/span> – 7:30am<\/span><\/span> to 8:30pm<\/span><\/span>
\nSaturday, July 11<\/span><\/span> – 7:30am<\/span><\/span> to 8:30pm<\/span><\/span>
\nSunday, July 12<\/span><\/span> – 7:30am<\/span><\/span> to 9pm<\/span><\/span><\/p>\n

Parents can drop off as early as we are open.\u00a0 Late parents are charged $5
\nfor every 5 minutes they are late picking up their children.”<\/p>\n

FIVE DOLLARS FOR EVERY FIVE MINUTES, GUYS. \u00a0Don’t be late!!!<\/p>\n

Okay, so that’s it. \u00a0I hope it’s helpful for you. \u00a0The event stands to be one of the biggest so far, so pack light, be prepared to battle crowds all day, prepare your children to stay safe in whatever ways you prefer, have a plan and have an amazing time! \u00a0See you there!<\/p>\n","protected":false},"excerpt":{"rendered":"

If you read my column consistently, you know we take our children everywhere and conventions are no exception. \u00a0We enjoy sharing these experiences with our children and believe they are instrumental to their development in many ways, providing both fun and education and plan to continue to share these experiences with them for the duration […]<\/p>\n","protected":false},"author":6,"featured_media":0,"comment_status":"open","ping_status":"open","sticky":false,"template":"","format":"standard","meta":{"jetpack_post_was_ever_published":false,"_jetpack_newsletter_access":"","_jetpack_dont_email_post_to_subs":false,"_jetpack_newsletter_tier_id":0,"_jetpack_memberships_contains_paywalled_content":false,"_jetpack_memberships_contains_paid_content":false,"footnotes":"","jetpack_publicize_message":"","jetpack_publicize_feature_enabled":true,"jetpack_social_post_already_shared":true,"jetpack_social_options":{"image_generator_settings":{"template":"highway","default_image_id":0,"font":"","enabled":false},"version":2},"_wpas_customize_per_network":false},"categories":[4,9,14],"tags":[235,236,234,237,106,238],"class_list":["post-11537","post","type-post","status-publish","format-standard","hentry","category-blog-and-reviews","category-lessons-from-the-mother-ship","category-news","tag-childcare-at-comiccon-san-diego","tag-children-at-comicon","tag-comiccon-san-diego","tag-geek-children","tag-geek-mom","tag-the-cautious-mom"],"jetpack_publicize_connections":[],"jetpack_featured_media_url":"","jetpack_shortlink":"https:\/\/wp.me\/p1opIU-305","jetpack-related-posts":[{"id":13063,"url":"http:\/\/forbiddenpanel.com\/PanelCast\/ten-tips-plus-2-for-taking-children-to-comiccon\/","url_meta":{"origin":11537,"position":0},"title":"Ten Tips (Plus 2) for Taking Children to ComicCon","author":"Janelle","date":"July 8, 2016","format":false,"excerpt":"It's that time of year again, folks! \u00a0The sun, the stars, the heat, the sweat, the billions of people milling around on missions to see actors, writers, directors and artists, going crazy with too much stimulus, not enough time and zero social skills. \u00a0That's right friends- ComicCon San Diego is\u2026","rel":"","context":"In "Blogs\/Reviews\/Stories"","block_context":{"text":"Blogs\/Reviews\/Stories","link":"http:\/\/forbiddenpanel.com\/PanelCast\/category\/blog-and-reviews\/"},"img":{"alt_text":"548f550bc64d3_-_rbk-baby-in-a-bar","src":"https:\/\/i0.wp.com\/forbiddenpanel.com\/PanelCast\/wp-content\/uploads\/2016\/07\/548f550bc64d3_-_rbk-baby-in-a-bar-300x163.jpg?resize=350%2C200","width":350,"height":200},"classes":[]},{"id":13188,"url":"http:\/\/forbiddenpanel.com\/PanelCast\/marvel-netflixs-luke-cage-trailer\/","url_meta":{"origin":11537,"position":1},"title":"Marvel & Netflix’s “Luke Cage” Trailer","author":"Forbidden Panel","date":"July 22, 2016","format":false,"excerpt":"A lot of awesome stuff is streaming in from San Diego Comic Con. \u00a0One of which is the first trailer for the highly anticipated Luke Cage from Marvel and Netflix. \u00a0Check it out below.","rel":"","context":"In "AJ's Side Panel"","block_context":{"text":"AJ's Side Panel","link":"http:\/\/forbiddenpanel.com\/PanelCast\/category\/blog-and-reviews\/ajs-side-panel\/"},"img":{"alt_text":"LukeCageLogo","src":"https:\/\/i0.wp.com\/forbiddenpanel.com\/PanelCast\/wp-content\/uploads\/2016\/07\/LukeCageLogo-300x158.jpg?resize=350%2C200","width":350,"height":200},"classes":[]},{"id":13131,"url":"http:\/\/forbiddenpanel.com\/PanelCast\/adventures-at-san-diego-comic-con-2016-day-1\/","url_meta":{"origin":11537,"position":2},"title":"Adventures at San Diego Comic-Con 2016; Day 1","author":"Andrea LaBartunek","date":"July 21, 2016","format":false,"excerpt":"Today started like every year; long lines, people everywhere, and just the right amount of awesome to make it ok. The new RFID badges have made it much quicker and easier to get and out of the Convention Center and the crowds seemed less compacted. \u00a0Since today was our first\u2026","rel":"","context":"In "News"","block_context":{"text":"News","link":"http:\/\/forbiddenpanel.com\/PanelCast\/category\/news\/"},"img":{"alt_text":"image","src":"https:\/\/i0.wp.com\/forbiddenpanel.com\/PanelCast\/wp-content\/uploads\/2016\/07\/image-e1469158654798-225x300.jpeg?resize=350%2C200","width":350,"height":200},"classes":[]},{"id":7185,"url":"http:\/\/forbiddenpanel.com\/PanelCast\/the-countdown-begins\/","url_meta":{"origin":11537,"position":3},"title":"The Countdown Begins","author":"Janelle","date":"June 11, 2013","format":false,"excerpt":"We are now two weeks into June and for most of us in the SoCal region, this means one thing; San Diego Comic-Con is coming! 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